Origin

Phrases

guilt by association

Be yourself from the get-go so popular by association doesn't turn into guilt by association.

It is a useful tactic to lump liberals (in the classic sense i.e. libertarians), fascists, and conservatives in the same camp so opponents can be misrepresented and dismissed through guilt by association.

‘Associates with known gang members’ (who could, of course, be relatives or neighbors) is clearly guilt by association.